Saucha (Purity)- Step #6 – Steps on the Path

When I resisted cleaning up my adolescent-messy room, Mom might remind me that “Cleanliness was next to Godliness.” Never quite sure what she meant by that, other than trying to guilt me into doing something I knew I should be doing anyway. Did she mean that it was OK not to be good if you were at least neat? Did it mean that the almighty and those surrounding him/her were always washed, ironed and perfectly polished?

It made me wonder.

Saucha – translated as purity, orderliness, cleanliness – marks the transition from the Yamas, or restraints, to the Niyamas, or observances. From a foundation of non-violence, honesty and moderation, the niyamas move us from avoiding what is harmful to engaging in positive, growth promoting practices.

Starting with the obvious call to care for the body and its surroundings, it’s intention runs deeper. “I think of saucha as the feng shui aspect of the Yoga Sutras”, suggests Rolf Gates,”the moment where Pantanjali acknowledges the effect of our environment – both mental and physical -on the state of our minds.” It’s interesting that in understanding the meaning of Saucha I also began to grasp the “Cleanliness/Godliness ” connection.

Since the senses are the body’s gateways, Saucha urges conscious choices in what we allow through. What do we eat and drink, what movies do we watch, what books do we read, what company do we keep? Similar to the computer mantra of “Garbage In/Garbage Out”, saucha reminds me of the impact externals have on the internal climate.

My family was big on company. We had lots of opportunities to get together with family and friends, and there were lots of preparation rituals. The house got extra attention, the good dishes came out, we served the best food. And we got ready too. Freshly bathed, nice clothes. It was a way of honoring our guests by presenting our “best selves”. In many ways, it was a way of honoring ourselves as well. I learned then that what we were doing on the outside was a reflection of readiness on the inside.

I like Donna Farhi’s explanation of Saucha: ” Far from self-deprivation or dry piety, the practice of shaucha allows you to experience life more vividly. A clean plate enjoys the sweetness of an apple and the taste of pure water; a clear mind can appreciate the beauty of poetry and the wisdom imparted in a story; a polished table reveals the deep grain of the wood. This practice both generates beauty and allows us to appreciate it in all its many forms.”

So what about some concrete ways to work on the practice of Saucha:

Include plenty of fresh, unprocessed foods and pure water in your daily diet.

Tackle clutter – maybe just a closet here, or a drawer there – giving away, throwing away, or recycling what you don’t need . Stand back and enjoy the energy of the open space.

Choose to spend time with positive, supportive friends. Honor their presence in your life, and let them honor you.

Remember that the larger environment of the world around you is also your home. Do what you can to keep it clean, tidy and cared for.

Saucha reminds us what a gift and what a responsibility it is to be human in this body. Although I do not know the source of the words, I do believe in the wisdom it represents: “If we do not care for our bodies…where will we live.”

P.S. Friend, and long-time Kripalu Yoga Instructor Vandita Kate Marchesiello passed along some information to me about a program she’s leading at the Kripalu Center in Lenox Massachusetts March 6-8, 2009. “Yoga for EveryBody” is a wonderful introduction to the practice of yoga, or a super way to enhance an established practice. The added plus is that you get to meet Vandita – a woman who truly embodies all that yoga represents. I understand there’s a discount too if you stay for an extra night – great way to beat the winter blahs I’d say. Here’s the links to learn more:
http://www.kripalu.org/article/617
http://www.kripalu.org/program/view/PTY91/an_introduction_to_yoga_for_every_body

Thank you for such a great post – I needed a little boost on a return to winter Monday. I do believe that our lives have gotten so out of balance on so many fronts. If we operate in clutter – why wouldn’t our minds be cluttered? If we eat poor nutrition – our body performs poorly. All of the distractions of life are very energy draining. I like the way you are writing about the positiveness of our actions and what we are doing with and to ourselves. Thanks again!

Thanks for your comments Pam and Nancy. I once ready that we need to stop focusing on the “urgent” so that we can pay attention to what is truly “important”. If there’s so much clutter you can’t find what’s “Important”that’s a problem. It also seems that the space around me is a pretty accurate mirror of my internal climate. When I look at it this way housework seems like more of a part of my spiritual practice and less of simply another thing on the “to do” list. Peace

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